James M. Morris is emeritus professor of History at Christopher Newport University. He is the author of numerous books and article on the Navy. Patricia M. Kearns is Director of Acquisitions for Swem Library at The College of William and Mary.
Updating their 1998 first edition, Morris (Readings in American
Military History) and Kearns (head, bibliographic control, Earl
Gregg Swem Library) define the people, ships, planes, locations,
munitions, navigation systems, technical terms, and actions shaping
the U.S. Navy since Colonial times. Preceding the 600 succinct,
fully cross-referenced, paragraph-long entries is a helpful listing
of acronyms, ship types, and a naval chronology, which locates
branch origins in mid-1775. A 12-page introduction offers an
essay-style overview of naval history, subdivided by major
engagement. A 45-page bibliography, divided chronologically by
conflict, offers a vital springboard to additional research.
Essential for naval historians.
*Library Journal*
In the 13 years since the publication of the first edition of this
work, the U.S. has become heavily involved in antiterrorism
activities. Although the first edition is still in print, more than
100 pages of additional information have been incorporated by the
same authors into this second edition. Among the topics that are
covered are types of ships and planes, weapons, ranks and
terminology, persons, military operations, and wars and battles.
The lists of acronyms and abbreviations and ship-type designations
are very helpful features to use when reading the entries. The
chronology begins in 1775, with the earliest vestiges of the U.S.
Navy, and continues through 2009. An introductory essay gives an
excellent overview of the navy and its activities from colonial
times to the present. The more than 600 alphabetical entries begin
with ABC-1 Staff Agreement (27 March 1941), an agreement between
the U.S. and Britain to concentrate on the defeat of Germany first,
and end with Zumwalt, Elmo R., Jr. (1920–2000), former chief of
naval operations. Entries range in length from one line to eight
pages, for the entry on WWII. The three appendixes list secretaries
of the navy from June 1789 to the present, chiefs of naval
operations from May 1915 to the present, and major websites. The
extensive bibliography is divided into 10 sections, mostly for time
periods. The bibliography is a wonderful tool for further research,
and the book overall is an excellent resource for college students,
researchers, and others interested in the U.S. Navy.
*Booklist*
This ready-reference guide provides brief descriptions of the
personnel (both serving and civilian administrative), ships/shore
establishments and aircraft, and notable actions of the United
States Navy.
*American Reference Books Annual*
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